Does Lean Get You High?
Most illicit substances are used in an attempt to achieve their desired effects; in other words, to “get you high.” The issue is that “high” is never worth the devastating consequences that even one-time use can bring to an individual’s life. This can be especially true with synthetic opioid concoctions like lean.
Better Understanding Codeine Addiction: Does Codeine Get You High?
The primary ingredient in lean is codeine, and codeine can both “get you high” as well as make you physically, mentally, and emotionally dependent upon it. According to the peer-reviewed thesis, Codeine, by authors Peechakara, Tharp, and Gupta, “Codeine is the most commonly taken opioid medication. It is at the center of the opioid addiction problem in the United States and thus is highly regulated. Codeine’s main indications are pain and dry cough.” Of course, people who misuse codeine are not doing so solely due to pain or dry cough.
Codeine use gives the individual a euphoric “high” feeling and can help people to feel a sense of calm. However, these feelings are short-lived and harmful. Many people become addicted to codeine because they keep taking more and more to achieve the same effects as when they first started using the substance. This also greatly increases the chances of overdose.
Better Understanding Lean Addiction: Does Lean Make You High?
Many people may have heard of “lean” because it is commonly represented in popular culture and on social media sites. However, they may be less familiar with what it is and how dangerous and addictive it can be. Lean is a concoction made up of codeine, the antihistamine promethazine, soda, candy, and sometimes alcohol. Some ask: “Does Lean get you high?” Yes, its use does create a euphoric “high” for those who consume it.
Lean is also very popular among younger people. Again, a big reason for this is due to the way it is positively portrayed in the public sphere. According to the peer-reviewed journal, PLoS One, “NSDUH [the National Survey on Drug Use and Health] data indicated that lean use was most prevalent among teenagers and young adults (ages 13–21), accounting for 66% of the sample. This trend was more pronounced in male respondents (75%) compared to females. Additionally, the use was predominantly observed among Black/African American (29%), Hispanic (28%), and White (33%) populations, with these groups also reporting higher levels of concurrent alcohol and cannabis use.”
No matter an individual’s age, the use of lean is undoubtedly extremely dangerous. This makes recognizing the signs and symptoms of lean addiction very critical.
The Signs and Symptoms of Lean Addiction
There are many signs and symptoms of lean use and lean addiction. While the physical signs are the most visible, there are also mental and emotional signs. The following are just a few of those signs:
- Pale skin and lips
- Red and rashy blotches on the skin
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Trouble with sleep patterns, including sleeping too much and sleeping too little
- “Doctor shopping” for new sources of the ingredients of lean
- Showing withdrawal symptoms without the substance
- Appearing overly shaky and excessively sweaty
- Isolating away from loved ones
- No longer interested in activities once enjoyed
- Expressing anxiety and/or depression
- Exhibiting signs of self-harm or has suicidal ideations
As demonstrated by this list, these signs and symptoms can be very serious. This is why lean addiction requires a serious solution and immediate attention.
Recovering From Lean Addiction
The good news is that recovery from lean is possible with the right help and support. This might include a detox, depending on how severe the lean addiction is. It may also include participating in residential addiction care or taking part in an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
Recovering from lean addiction also takes action. This often means engaging with various therapies to help get to the underlying issues causing the addiction. As is often said in recovery circles, “The substance is but a ‘symptom’ of the problem.” Therefore, lean addiction may involve participation in several psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), experiential therapies like art, music, and nature immersion therapy, and group therapy.
Many people also incorporate holistic practices into their recovery. This may include practices like yoga, which is very beneficial for issues of addiction (as well as many other issues). As explained in the International Journal of Yoga (IJOY), “[Y]ogic practices enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, promote recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life.”
Long-Term Success With The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we know that the “high” that comes from lean is never worth the consequences. We also know that those consequences don’t have to be conclusive. There is hope for recovery.
Recovery is about the journey, never the destination. The most important part of the journey is taking the first step, and there’s no better place to do that than right here at The Phoenix Recovery Center.
Codeine is highly addictive and is also the primary ingredient in lean. However, it is not the only addictive substance in lean. Alcohol is often involved as well. This makes for a particularly dangerous and addictive combination. Many people like the “high” they feel from drinking lean, but it is not worth both the short- and long-term side effects. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. For more information about the dangers of lean and how to recover from a lean addiction, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
